FOND DU LAC - The fifth annual Ishamon Harris Vex Robotics, or VRC, Memorial Tournament will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, 520 Fond du Lac Ave. Fifty-four teams made up of middle and high school students from around the state will compete for the chance to qualify at state and national competitions.

Throughout the day, teams build, program and drive their robots along with a partner team as they compete against two other teams in matches. The top scoring teams from the day will compete in the finals to be named tournament champion. Local teams North Fond du Lac BAMS and Campbellsport’s South Eden Robotics will compete.

Around the world, 16,000 teams from 40 countries compete in Vex Robotics to take part in the World Championships.
“Being involved in robotics gives students the opportunity to not only compete locally, regionally and beyond; but a chance to hone much-needed skills like critical-thinking, problem-solving, communication and team-building which employers demand in the workplace,” says Alan Hathaway, volunteer coach of South Eden Robotics and local business owner.

The event is open to the public and concessions will be available throughout the day.